SABOTStandardized Auxiliary Boat

Operations Training

Ninth District - Eastern Region

COMO. Lew Wargo, Sr.DSO-OP/CQEC15 April 2014ASTERN TOWING

SABOT

ASTERN TOWING

TERMINAL PERFORMANCE

OBJECTIVE

In seas under 4 feet, day/night, given a towing scenario, and without prompting or the use of references, take a disabled vessel in stern tow in accordance with the Boat Crew Seamanship Manual, COMDTINST M16114.5(series), the Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guide, COMDTINST M166794.53A, Vol. I (Section G) and Vol. 2 (Section H), and the SABOT Job Aid Section (H).

REFERENCES

• Boat Crew Seamanship Manual,COMDTINST M16114.5(series)Chapter 17

• Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification Guide, COMDTINST M16794.52(series)

• SABOT Job Aid (Section H)

TOW RIG

The Tow rig system is defined as a tow line, towing pendant, double leg-towing bridle, or kicker skiff hook assembly.

CAUTIONS

Opening and closing maneuvers should be conducted with caution and within the limitations of the vessel’s propulsion system. Approaches may be modified to limit maneuvering corrections based on evaluated risks and environmental conditions.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

A. Conduct tow brief w/crewB. Communications with D/V and crewC. Material condition of the towed vesselD. Physical condition and safety of

personnel on boardE. Towing operations of own vesselF. Prevailing weather conditions

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

G. Determine towing system to be used, based on the distressed vessel’s type and the assessed risks

H. Assign crew responsibilities and inspection of the towing rig

I. Determine vessels relative set & drift.

ENABING OBJECT

J. Approach distressed vessel with bow into OR stern into prevailing/predominant force (Crossing the “T”)

K. Determine the safe maneuvering zone

L. Station keep within the maneuvering zone

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

M. Maintain optimum position by applying appropriate correcting maneuvers within the maneuvering zone using opening

and closing maneuvers.

N. At coxswain’s command pass the heaving line or tow rig to distressed vessel while in optimum position

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

O. Coxswain directs crew to take a working turn on the tow bitt/cleat and applying proper helm and throttle controls to

transition to a stern tow and pay out towline.

P. Coxswain sets up initial course and speed while directing crew to pay out towline to place towed vessel in step.

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

Q. When proper amount of towline is paid out, coxswain directs crew to secure

towline to the tow bitt/cleat.

R. Coxswain assigns a tow watch

S. Energize navigation lights, in accordance with the navigation rules (if applicable).

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

T.Determine the lighting configuration for towing a vessel under 50 meters in length towing astern less than 200 meters, underway, making way.

U. Define and energize proper sound signals, in accordance with navigation rules (if applicable).

ENABLING OBJECTIVES

V.Maneuver to keep towline away from the screws while backing to shorten tow to recover towline, place disabled vessel in short tow or alongside tow.